It’s quick, easy and painless. It rarely, if ever needs to be repeated
Lasers are an important tool used in treating the clouding of vision which sometimes occurs after cataract surgery. When a cataract is removed, we leave the back or posterior portion of the lens capsule in place. The implant placed during surgery rests against this capsule. This posterior capsule is initially clear. In about 20% of patients following cataract surgery, this membrane becomes cloudy with time and can interfere with your sight. The symptoms may include blurred vision and glare. This clouding is often described as a sensation similar to looking through dirty glasses. In order to restore your sight, we perform a procedure called a posterior capsulotomy using a YAG laser which is especially designed for opening this cloudy membrane.
What is a YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy?
A YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is a surgical procedure that uses a special laser to create a window of clear vision in the clouded capsule. It is not necessary to remove the entire capsule, but only to make an opening in it to allow for the passage of light. The laser procedure is performed in a matter of minutes with no discomfort in the Surgery Center, a freestanding Medicare participating facility. The alternative to YAG laser treatment is conventional surgery, which carries a significantly greater risk of complications.
What can I expect after the procedure?
Because your eye is dilated during treatment, you may decide not to drive a car immediately after the procedure. Otherwise, there are no limitations on your activities. The treated eye may be blurry and sensitive to light for four to six hours after the YAG laser treatment; wearing dark glasses until your pupil returns to normal size will help alleviate this.
Are there any complications?
YAG laser treatment is one of the safest procedures in ophthalmology, effectively restoring sight in nearly all cases in which there in no other disorder. In the hands of a skilled physician, there is little to worry about. Because there is no incision with the YAG laser procedure, there is no pain and no chance of infection. You may experience floaters for a week or two in the treated eye(s). This is normal and to be expected.
However, no procedure is risk-free. In a very small percentage of patients (less than 1 in 1000), there is a risk of fluid forming on the retina or a retinal detachment. Fortunately these complications are extremely rare and can often be corrected if they occur.
Schedule your Cataract Evaluation today
Call (727) 581-8706 to schedule your appointment
Meet Your Cataract Care Specialists
Stephen M Weinstock, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a cataract and LASIK specialist. He founded The Eye Institute of West Florida in 1974, pioneering sub-specialty eye care in Pinellas County. Today, as President and Medical Director, Dr. Weinstock is recognized as a world renowned cataract and LASIK surgeon. He teaches the latest techniques such as”no-stitch, no-patch” cataract extraction and implantation of premium intraocular lenses (IOLs), here and abroad. Dr. Weinstock is also very proud of being the first ophthalmologist to introduce the excimer and YAG lasers to Pinellas County.
In 1999 for his outstanding performance as a refractive surgeon, Dr. Weinstock was honored with the”VISX Star Surgeon” award and placed in the top 5% of refractive surgeons nationwide. He is one of the only surgeons in the country who has been certified by the American Board of Eye Surgery in both Cataract and LASIK surgery.
Dr. Weinstock is also an associate clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of South Florida.
Robert J. Weinstock, M.D. is a board-certified ophthalmologist and is fellowship-trained in cataract and refractive surgery. He became interested in ophthalmology at an early age – as he watched and assisted his father. Dr. Weinstock has joined the practice in 2001 after completing his residency at the St. Louis University School of Medicine.
He is the Director of Cataract and Refractive Services at the Eye Institute of West Florida and The Weinstock Laser Eye Center. He also is an associate clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of South Florida, and serves as the Surgical Director of the Largo Ambulatory Surgery Center. He was named one of 250 in Permier Surgeon’s List of Leading Innovators of 2010 for his contributions to cataract surgery and premium IOLs. In addition to performing thousands of vision correcting cataract and LASIK procedures each year, Dr. Weinstock speaks and teaches nationally and internationally on customized cataract surgery and surgical innovations. He is continuously engaged in clinical research and studies to evaluate new technology, many of which are sanctioned by the FDA. He is recognized internationally as an expert on new implant technology and microincisional surgical techniques. He has authored many book chapters on cataract surgery and continues to write journal articles on cataract and refractive surgery.
Neel R. Desai, M.D. is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist strictly specializing in LASIK, cataract and corneal diseases of the eye. Dr. Desai is a top graduate of the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and completed his fellowship in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University. He is recognized throughout the country and internationally as one of only 100 surgeons able to perform advanced corneal transplants and other complex cataract, corneal and refractive procedures. He holds pending patents to new surgical products and advanced cornea surgical procedures of his own design. Additionally, Dr. Desai has authored many book chapters in his field of study and continues to write articles in peer review journals.
